We’re modernizing the way you apply to subdivide and develop property. You can now apply for planning, development and safety code permit applications online using the PLANit Parkland portal, click the button to get started today!
What is subdivision?
Subdivision is the legal division of land where separate titles are created for new parcels. Subdivision also includes lot line adjustments and condominiums (bareland and conventional), The Municipal Government Act and the Subdivision and Development Regulation and Land Use Bylaw and Council Policy C-PD-03 govern subdivision in the County.
Who can apply to subdivide a parcel?
Registered landowner(s) can apply to subdivide. Landowners may choose an agent to act on their behalf. An agent may be an Alberta Land Surveyor, professional representative, family member or officer of a company. The subdivision application must clearly indicate the name of the agent authorized to act on the registered owner's behalf The subdivision application must be signed by all people listed on the title of the property and by the agent (if needed).
How is the subdivision process initiated?
Parkland County Current Planners are here to help! It is required that the landowner speak with a County Planner to discuss the subdivision proposal. They will discuss your proposal, identify any potential plan or policy conflicts, advise on the subdivision requirements and will provide the next steps in the process. A County Planner can be reached at the County Centre during regular business hours and are available by phone or in-person. Please bring as much information as possible with you including the legal description, survey or Real Property Report if you have copies. After consulting with a planner the next step will be to contract with an accredited Alberta Land Surveyor and possibly planning and/or engineering consultants.
What is the process?
Rural subdivision (four parcels or less per quarter) |
Review the rural subdivision approval process: |
Multi-parcel/industrial subdivisions |
Review the multi-parcel subdivision approval process: |
Conceptual scheme |
Review the conceptual scheme approval process if your subdivision requires a conceptual scheme.
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Development agreements |
From application to final completion certificate, review the development agreement process if your subdivision requires a development agreement. |
Frequently asked questions
I'm thinking of buying a property. Can I subdivide my parcel? |
Contact a Planner at 780-968-8888 or subdivision@parklandcounty.com to see if subdivision may be possible. Have the legal address of the property and be prepared to discuss your application. Subdivision applications must have the signature(s) of all the registered owner(s). |
How much does it cost to subdivide? |
The County subdivision fees depends on the number and types of lots being subdivided. A subdivision application will have other costs including surveying, technical and engineering reporting and levies to be prepared for. Contact a Planner at 780-968-8888 or subdivision@parklandcounty.com to review potential costs through a pre-consultation meeting. |
How long is the subdivision process? |
Once a subdivision is deemed complete by the County, we have 60 days in which to issue a decision. This decision will typically come with a list of tasks or “conditions” that must be completed by the landowner before the County can support the registration of the subdivision with land titles. The landowner has up to one year to meet these conditions. Once the conditions have been completed by the landowner, contact your surveyor to submit the final paperwork to the County for final review and signature (endorsement). This paperwork is sent back to the Surveyor for registration at land titles . This process can take as little as three months or years depending on the application and how quickly the applicant can complete the required conditions. |
How many lots can I subdivide from my quarter section? |
The number of lots you can subdivide depends on the districting of the lands and the policies of the Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Government of Alberta statues. |
When does my property need to be surveyed? |
An Alberta Land Surveyor must:
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What surveyor should I use? How much does it cost? |
Parkland County does not endorse a particular Alberta Land Surveyor. The surveyor must be a current member of the Alberta Land Surveyors Association. Surveyor costs depend on the type and complexity of the plan. A Tentative Plan MUST be prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor, hand drawn plans can no longer be accepted. Costs vary for different survey companies it is recommended that you get quotes from different surveyors before making a decision. Surveyors may also act as an agent on your behalf submitting and coordinating the application process. |
Can I appeal my neighbour's subdivision? |
The Municipal Government Act does not permit adjacent landowners to appeal an approved subdivision. After a subdivision application is accepted, a referral letter is sent to adjacent landowners and other affected agencies. They have the opportunity to submit comments to the County regarding the subdivision during the referral period outlined in this letter. |
Do I have to ensure my septic system is up to standard? |
All existing private sewage disposal systems located on both the proposed and remnant lots prior to subdivision must comply with the provincially regulated setbacks and standards in the Private Sewage Disposal System Regulation. Alterations may include, but are not limited to, the relocation of a discharge line or replacement of a faulty septic tank or field or it may require the installation of a new sewage disposal system. A private sewage disposal system permit is required for alterations or new system installations. Parkland County does not endorse any particular installer. Contact a County Safety Codes Officer at 780-968-8888 with questions concerning private sewage disposal system standards. |
Do I have to construct a new or upgrade an existing approach? |
All existing legal approaches that exist in the title property prior to subdivision must comply with Parkland County's Subdivision Development and Engineering Standards. Any new approaches that need to be built as a condition of subdivision must be completed prior to endorsement of the subdivision in accordance with the Subdivision Development and Engineering Design Standards. Please contact a Development Engineering Officer at 780-968-8888 with questions concerning approach standards. |
What are Municipal Reserves and Deferred Reserve Caveats? |
Municipal Reserves Under Provincial Legislation, municipalities must take 10% of any lands to be subdivided as municipal reserves. The intent of these reserves are to be used for public lands and facilities such as parks, schools, libraries, fire halls etc.
Deferred Reserve Caveat In the case of a rural setting it does not make sense for the municipality to require the dedication of physical land, in this case, a Deferred Reserve Caveat may be a condition of the subdivision. This is a document registered against the title of one or both of the properties which identifies that the Municipal Reserves are owing but have not been physically given to the County. The Deferred Reserve Caveat serves as a tracking document for municipal reserves and will be reviewed with each subdivision application and satisfies the subdivision condition. When a Deferred Reserve Caveat has been registered it does not apply to a specific portion of a parcel of land, and the landowner has full use of the entire parcel of land.
Money-in-Place In the rare case where it is identified that Municipal Reserves are owing in an amount smaller than 2 acres, the County may require the reserves to be provided as money-in-place, where the landowner is required to pay market value for the municipal reserves. Contact a Planner at 780-968-8888 with questions regarding potential reserve dedications. |
Where can I find subdivision development and engineering standards? |
Other subdivision application forms & documents
- Main Applications, Licences and Permits Page
- Rural Subdivision Application
- Lot line adjustment application
- Multiparcel/Industrial Application
- Municipal reserve appraisal agreement
- Condominium conversion application
- Development Agreement Application
- Fee schedule
- Draft Environmental Guidelines for the Review of Subdivisions in Alberta (September 1998)
- Subdivision and Development Regulation Alberta Regulation 43/2002
- Municipal Government Act
- Engineering Design Standards
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